Following the ceremony, the president will participate in the Memorial Day Service at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery along with Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

The Obamas will start the day by hosting a breakfast for families who have lost loved ones in combat.

Also Monday, the president is expected to introduce Army Gen. Martin Dempsey as his next choice to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The announcement was to be made in the Rose Garden.